Balancing animal health with farm profitability can be challenging.
Adopting a proactive approach to animal care is one of the most effective ways to minimize veterinary costs.
“Establishing animal health protocols and early intervention as a regular practice on your farm can not only enhance the health and well-being of livestock, but can help farmers manage a reasonable vet bill, too,” says Dr. Rob Swackhammer, veterinarian with Upper Grand Veterinary Services in Guelph, Ont.
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Swackhammer, who specializes in large animal veterinary care and focuses on fostering a preventative health approach with his clients, says, “The more systems we can put in place on the farm that promote good nutrition, reduce the stress of animal handling and minimize the risk of disease, the better off our animals and overall farm operation will be.”
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As a farmer himself, Swackhammer has some practical advice for livestock management systems. These recommendations come from decades of personal and professional experience, combined with lessons his clients have learned first-hand.
Eight strategies for managing and preventing animal health issues on the farm
1. Animal nutrition: Managing the risk of any animal health concern starts with the right diet. Swackhammer recommends farmers consult their nutritionist to develop rations that provide proper nourishment and help farmers achieve their production goals in the most efficient and healthy way.
2. Vaccination and deworming programs: Establishing regular vaccination and deworming programs for livestock is a valuable investment in the animal health and welfare of a herd or flock. An effective program can also have an impact on livestock productivity and protect farm workers against the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases and parasites.
Swackhammer recommends farmers consult with their veterinarian to develop a program and determine the right products, method of administration, timing and frequency.
3. Proper handling facilities: “Sometimes the greatest obstacle to animal health is the inability to catch and restrain the animal for treatment,” says Swackhammer. Integrating proper animal handling facilities, such as a chute or locking head gate where animals can be safely restrained, not only reduces the stress on the animal but creates a safer working environment for farm workers. Swackhammer advises farmers to invest in equipment that fits their farm, noting the setup doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but it has to work when you need it. He recommends farmers consult with an animal handling equipment company or advisor if they need help creating a solution.
To reduce the stress on animals and farm workers in the face of an animal health emergency, Swackhammer also suggests running livestock through the handling system periodically to allow everyone — animals and employees — to become comfortable. He also points out that if a veterinarian is required, restraining the animal before the veterinarian arrives will make the visit more efficient and easier on the pocketbook.
4. Veterinary emergency kit: Having a livestock on-farm first aid kit is the best way to help farmers prepare for animal health issues. Swackhammer recommends stocking the kit with supplies that can be used in emergency situations that can’t wait an hour for the veterinarian to arrive and for general day-to-day concerns that could prevent a veterinarian visit.
Farmers can easily create their own on-farm emergency kit with the help of their local veterinarian who can advise on specific items they should have on hand. These could include basic go-to tools, such as a thermometer, medical gloves, needles and syringes, along with anti-inflammatory medication and electrolytes.
“Being prepared with the proper tools on hand can help minimize an emergency, or at least prevent a bad situation from getting worse,” says Swackhammer. “Something as simple as having a thermometer to take an animal’s temperature can also help streamline a call to a vet and determine the right course of action.”
5. Build confidence and skills: Farmers who feel confident in their ability to handle animal health issues are better equipped to make informed decisions and provide necessary care on their own. Often, this confidence is built through experience, skill development and in collaboration with a local veterinarian. “Becoming comfortable with giving an animal an injection is a great first step,” says Swackhammer, who encourages farmers to pursue hands-on training opportunities and educational courses to build their skills.
6. Record-keeping: Maintaining accurate health records is essential, particularly when it comes to diagnosing and treating animals effectively. Having the information readily available to share with a veterinarian if a problem arises is also important. Key information that should be recorded includes the animal’s birth date or arrival on the farm, vaccination and deworming programs and treatment schedules, any past illnesses or treatments, and for mature females, the date of their most recent birth.
7. Quarantine area: Swackhammer reminds farmers that any new animal or group of animals arriving on the farm should be quarantined for two to four weeks in an isolated area away from other animals. “Animal quarantine requires a separate water source and no nose-to-nose contact with other animals,” he explains. Following a quarantine protocol decreases the risk of introducing unknown diseases into the existing herd and reduces a new animal’s stress, allowing it to adjust to its new surroundings.
An established quarantine pen can double as an isolation or health pen for other animals when they need to recover from treatment or illness. Swackhammer suggests quarantine and health pens be equipped with animal handling equipment to reduce hands-on interaction with the animal and make treating or processing animals easier.
8. Find a mentor: “One of the easiest and most effective ways farmers take charge of their herd health is through experience. And who has more experience than a fellow farmer?” says Swackhammer, who recommends farmers find a neighbour, retired farmer or informal mentor they can learn from to build their confidence and rely on for advice. He also points out that consulting with a mentor on animal health issues before they call their veterinarian could also save on the veterinary bill, too.
Proactive health management
Proactively implementing practical tips, such as being prepared with veterinary supplies on hand, having someone to call when you have a question or simply implementing an effective vaccination program, can go a long way to enhancing the overall health of a herd, improve productivity and support a farm’s bottom line.
“No matter the size of your operation, your own experience or what type of livestock you have, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to managing the health of your animals,” says Swackhammer. “Don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian to explore how you can collaborate more effectively and identify areas where you can confidently take the lead in managing animal health concerns.”
